How to Mix Metals in Your Kitchen or Bath Like a Designer

If you’ve ever flipped through a high-end design magazine and marveled at a kitchen or bathroom that felt effortlessly sophisticated, chances are the designer knew the secret to one of today’s most coveted trends: mixed metals.

Gone are the days of sticking to one finish across your entire space. Now, combining metals—when done well—creates depth, visual interest, and a curated, custom feel. But here’s the catch: done poorly, it can look disjointed and accidental.

Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a remodel or a designer creating your next showpiece, this guide will teach you how to mix metals in your kitchen or bath with intention, confidence, and style.

Why Mixing Metals Works

Metals bring texture, sheen, and contrast to a room. When you mix them, you create layers—just like pairing different fabrics in fashion. The right combination can:

• Highlight architectural details
• Break up uniformity in monochromatic spaces
• Tie together elements across open-concept floor plans
• Add subtle warmth or coolness to balance a room’s palette

The key is treating metals like part of your color scheme—not just a hardware decision.

The “Rule of Three” for Mixing Metals

When it comes to mixed metals, less really is more. The Rule of Three is a designer’s best friend:

• Choose no more than two or three metal finishes per space
• In small spaces, stick to two
• In larger kitchens or open-concept areas, three can work beautifully

This isn’t an arbitrary limit—it’s about visual clarity. Too many finishes create a scattered, “accidental” look.

Example: A kitchen with brushed nickel faucets, matte black cabinet pulls, and stainless steel appliances feels cohesive. Add in copper light fixtures, chrome trim, and brass accents, and suddenly the space feels chaotic.

Base Metal vs. Accent Metal

The easiest way to make mixed metals work is to decide early on: What’s your base metal? What’s your accent metal?

Base Metal

Your base metal is the dominant finish in the space—about 60–70% of the metal elements should be in this tone.

Common base metals:

• Stainless steel
• Brushed nickel
• Matte black
• Warm pewter

Accent Metal

Your accent metal is the supporting role—it creates contrast and draws the eye to key details.

Popular accent metals:

• Polished brass
• Champagne bronze
• Aged brass
• Oil-rubbed bronze

Pairing Tip: Think in terms of temperature:

• Warm metals (brass, bronze, gold) pair well with cool metals (chrome, stainless, nickel) for balance
• For a more monochromatic vibe, pair similar undertones—like matte black with brushed nickel—for subtle depth

Trends for 2025: The Hottest Metal Finishes

If you’re planning a remodel in 2025, these are the mixed metals making waves in both mixed metals kitchen and mixed metals bathroom designs:

• Champagne Bronze – A softer, more muted gold tone that pairs effortlessly with brushed nickel or matte black
• Warm Pewter – Understated and versatile, great as a base metal in traditional or transitional designs
• Aged Brass – Rich and timeless, perfect for a vintage-inspired statement
• Brushed Nickel – A classic that plays well with nearly everything—modern, farmhouse, or coastal

These finishes are being used not just in hardware, but also in light fixtures, mirror frames, and even appliance trims.

Room-by-Room Guidance

1. Kitchens: Where Function Meets Flair

Key mixed metal opportunities:

• Faucets & pot fillers
• Cabinet hardware
• Appliance finishes
• Lighting fixtures
• Range hoods

Example combo:
Base Metal: Brushed nickel (faucets, cabinet pulls)
Accent Metal: Aged brass (pendant lights, barstool legs)
Third Finish (optional): Stainless steel (appliances)

Pro Tip: Keep your base metal consistent across high-use elements—like all cabinet hardware—then use the accent metal for eye-level focal points.

2. Bathrooms: Small Space, Big Impact

Key mixed metal opportunities:

• Faucets & shower fixtures
• Vanity hardware
• Mirror frames
• Towel bars & hooks
• Light sconces

Example combo:
Base Metal: Matte black (faucet, shower fixtures)
Accent Metal: Champagne bronze (mirror frame, vanity pulls)

Pro Tip: In smaller bathrooms, stick to two finishes for a polished look. Use sheen variation (brushed vs. polished) for added interest without overwhelming.

Visual Examples: Harmonious vs. Clashing Combos

Harmonious

• Matte black + brushed nickel: Sleek and modern, works in nearly any style
• Champagne bronze + warm pewter: Warm and inviting, ideal for traditional kitchens

Clashing

• Polished chrome + aged brass + oil-rubbed bronze in a small space—too much contrast, no clear focal point
• Rose gold + copper + yellow brass—undertones are too close, creating a muddy, mismatched look

Pro Tips for Sheen, Balance, and Consistency

Sheen Matters

• Brushed or matte finishes create a softer, understated feel
• Polished finishes add sparkle and glamour
• Combining the two can add dimension—but limit polished finishes to accents so they don’t overpower

Balance is Key

Spread your chosen metals evenly through the space. If brass is your accent metal, repeat it at least three times—in lighting, hardware, and a decorative element—so it feels intentional.

Stay Consistent Across Zones

In open-concept layouts, let one room influence the other. If your kitchen uses matte black + brushed nickel, carry those into your adjacent bathroom or dining space to maintain flow.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing too many metals in a small room – Stick to two finishes max
• Ignoring undertones – Warm and cool metals can clash if not balanced
• Overusing polished finishes – Can create glare and feel busy
• Neglecting repeat elements – If an accent metal only appears once, it feels out of place
• Not considering adjacent rooms – Especially important in open floor plans

Bringing It All Together

Mixing metals in your kitchen or bath isn’t about breaking the rules—it’s about knowing which rules to bend. Follow the Rule of Three, choose a base and accent metal, pay attention to temperature and sheen, and you’ll create a space that looks like it came straight from a designer’s portfolio.

Whether you’re leaning into 2025’s trending finishes like champagne bronze or sticking with timeless brushed nickel, the key is intention. Every faucet, handle, and fixture should feel like it belongs in the story your space is telling.

Ready to start your remodel?

Kitchen Kraft’s design team can help you select and pair the perfect mixed metals for a kitchen or bath that’s both timeless and on-trend. From material selection to final installation, we’ll ensure your space reflects your style—down to the very last handle.